The Analects of Confucius (from the Chinese Classics), Book 7 summary

What happens

1. The Master presents himself as a transmitter of ancient learning and names failures of moral effort as his chief concerns.
2. He welcomes pupils but expects eagerness and independent thought, while favoring careful planning over reckless courage.
3. He praises virtuous choices, enjoys simple provisions, and describes learning as a pursuit that absorbs his attention.
4. He encourages learning from others, teaches openly, and receives a boy despite his disciples’ doubts about the boy’s community.
5. After criticism of his judgment about Duke Chao, he welcomes the exposure of his mistakes.
6. He declines claims of moral perfection, discusses prayer during illness, and contrasts composed virtue with anxious pettiness.

In this book

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